It was good to see Ben Davies back at FP on Tuesday night but it was more interesting to see that this was his first appearance in a while as he has struggled with injuries/isn't highly rated by Grimsby. He operated in a wing back role and to be honest, was given the run around by Kyle Bennett in that first half. I know people have been saying how much we miss him but after another stellar performance from Evans it got me thinking as to how their impact compared and how much are we missing.

LEAGUE STATS ONLY

Davies last season:

Apps: 43
Goals: 1
Assists: 9
Conceded: 53 (average 1.04 per game)

Evans this season:

Apps: 32
Goals: 2
Assists: 6
Conceded: 27 (average 0.84 per game)

Now, I'm not saying Davies didn't play very well for us last season because he did - a true professional and a great guy. But everyone has been very quick to point out when Evans has made mistakes, yet such is the nature of an attacking full back. Davies, even with all his experience, did make mistakes and got caught out a few times on that side.

It's quite remarkable though to see the contrasting defensive records. Obviously we now have Forde who is a stable presence and the rest of the defence is now extremely comfortable playing alongside each other, but maybe we were too quick to fault Evans? Certainly there's been points when I wouldn't have had the balls to keep playing him there such was the criticism from fans and two recognised right backs waiting to play. On the whole though, I think he has had an excellent season and can say that he has played a role in establishing our defence as the best in L2 and one of the best in the Football League. Enda Stevens has been my Player of the Season though!

What do you guys think? Might not agree but thought it's worth a discussion anyway.

Exactly my thoughts Rug. I'm now starting to wonder (if we get promoted) whether Cook will look for a new first team right back in the summer or just leave the defence alone considering how strong it is.

Davies was 35 and a two-year deal was too risky. Stats don't really do him justice as our defense has been a lot more settled this season, with Clarke and Burgess barely missing a game since Clarke's return from injury. Stevens has also been an ever-present with Forde.

Last season Burgess, Clarke, Webster and Whatmough all missed game time at some point or another, not to mention the 7 (yes SEVEN) different goalkeepers.

He was one of our most consistent performers (after Stevens) last season, but Evans has really excelled for us this season. The fact that Cook didn't buy a tried and tested RB in the transfer window shows how much faith he has in Evans, and considering he is 7 years younger than Davies, I would not argue about him taking on the position full time again next season - knowing if we needed midfield cover he could do that as well.

I still cannot help but feel Evans would have offered more playing further forward though and if we do go up would be amazed if Cookie doesn't bring in a right back. If we dont go up I'm not sure Evans would stay at the end of his contract though?

Delighted for Evans, he must have felt he was being pushed out the door at the start of this season when he saw the reinforcements like Rose and Baker brought into the midfield, but he has shown himself to be a true class act by sucking it up and getting on with his game, tried out at RB and was a revelation, made the position his own.

Glad to have him for another few years, and hoping he gets a chance at his natural position next season, but if we have nobody better I wouldn't mind him at RB again.

Delighted for Evans, he must have felt he was being pushed out the door at the start of this season when he saw the reinforcements like Rose and Baker brought into the midfield, but he has shown himself to be a true class act by sucking it up and getting on with his game, tried out at RB and was a revelation, made the position his own.

Glad to have him for another few years, and hoping he gets a chance at his natural position next season, but if we have nobody better I wouldn't mind him at RB again.